The Getaway
Underrated and Inexpensive Places to Stay in Hawaii

Hawaii has beautiful sun snares, blue ocean, and luxurious resorts, making many wrongly perceive it as overpriced. Choosing an accommodation spot among the seven stunning islands of Hawaii—such as O'ahu, Maui, the Big Island of Hawaiʻi, Kauai, Molokai, Lanai, and Niihau—can be quite overwhelming. Each island offers its own unique charm and attractions, making it difficult for travelers to determine the perfect spot for their getaway when trying to meet their budget.

However, the abundance of affordable island hotels enables you to enjoy the breathtaking scenery and vibrant locals without exceeding your budget. Below, we will give several examples of affordable tropical hotels that can help you realize your ideal vacation to Hawaii without going over budget.

Advertisement

01 Aloha Surf Hostel: Affordable Surf Vibes in Maui

First on our list is the Aloha Surf Hostel in Maui, Hawaii. It is lively, especially for surf lovers and tourists. Following a surfer's style, the hostel is very friendly, encouraging guests to interact and share with others ideas about their experiences. It offers accommodation for different budgetary capabilities because it has dormitory types and private rooms.

It is located only a few hundred meters from Paia Beach and other famous surf sites. The location is ideal if you want to surf during the day and dance or carouse during the night. If you are a professional surfer or just dreaming about your first wave in Maui, Aloha Surf Hostel will be your choice!

02 Camp Olowalu: Budget-Friendly Beachfront Camping

Camp Olowalu, located only a few minutes from Lahaina with easy beachfront access, is ideally situated to attract campers and RV guests. Its strategic location makes it an affordable spot to enjoy the beautiful shores, and its basic cabins and tents allow campers to enjoy their vacation in nature. Visitors can enjoy the region's natural landscapes and observe exotic sea creatures snorkeling in the clear sea.

While lazing on the beach, going through the wildlife, or even sleeping under the stars, Camp Olowalu offers the best environment for any fun-seeking individual to have a cherished outdoor experience in Hawaii. You can choose some exciting activities to engage in. You can rent kayaks for an adventurous day on the water or try paddleboarding for a unique experience. Enjoy a relaxing float day at the beach, and cast a line for some fish.

03 Banana Bungalow: Backpacker's Paradise on Maui

Banana Bungalow is one of Maui's most popular youth hostels, where many guests go for a sleep and breakfast. Due to group tours and activities, friendships and bonding are promoted in this brightly painted youth hostel. Here, guests share their experiences and discoveries during the island trips. It is situated in central Maui, within walking distance of downtown Wailuku.

This makes it an excellent launching pad for experiencing all that central Maui has to offer. There is no charge for amenities such as free Wi-Fi and continental breakfast, making the stay affordable for the guest. For those waiting for transportation or traveling somewhere else with other people, Banana Bungalow gives you a memorable experience of Maui's aloha spirit.

04 Kona Tiki Hotel: Retro Beachfront Charm on Big Island

The Kona Tiki Hotel is an excellent example of 1960s Hawaiian-themed architecture that embodies the look. Sitting just a few blocks from Kailua-Kona, this small hotel provides beautiful ocean views that are particularly perfect for watching the sunset. Its competitively low rates cater to those seeking comfort without incurring significant expenses. Visitors can relax on the lanai with breathtaking views or look into history at attractions that represent the Big Island's unique heritage. From sunbathing around the pool area to swimming with the sounds of the waves in the background, Kona Tiki Hotel offers an excellent and renewing vacation experience.

05 The Plantation Inn: Lahaina's Budget-Friendly B&B

Plantation Inn Lahaina is ideal for those who only want a romantic, traditional-style inn in the center of Lahaina. It is conveniently located just a short 10-minute stroll from Lahaina Banyan Court Park and close to many of Lahaina's popular attractions. The hotel stands out for its bed-and-breakfast offers, which provide authentic Hawaiian hospitality and ambiance with the facade, garden-style architecture, and well-tended gardens. Staying within walking distance of Lahaina's historical town area and great beaches provides the perfect value for leisure accommodation with a variety of activities.

Other nearby resorts may be expensive, but staying at The Plantation Inn will not break the bank. The accommodations are cozy enough and still convenient to Lahaina's best destinations. It is ideal for tourists intent on exploring Maui Island, which has its history and amazing beaches, but with limited spending money.

06 Hostelling International Waikiki: Social and Affordable in Oahu

The hostel is situated in the thick of Honolulu's Waikiki district, within walking distance of Waikiki Beach. Hostelling International Waikiki is perfect for tourists without a luxury budget but who wish to stay in the thick of everything. It is a hostel that provides dorm-style accommodation for both men and women, offering shared bathrooms and showers for backpackers or anyone willing to travel alone and meet new people. Apart from the communal spaces, guests can enjoy private room options, a fully equipped self-service kitchen, convenient on-site laundry facilities, internet access, and a cozy lounge area perfect for unwinding.

The hostel has a program that creates group events such as hiking and beach trips; therefore, it is straightforward to make new friends. Waikiki will surround you, tackling nightlife, shopping, and dining, to name a few of the areas that will give you the whole experience of Oahu without the hefty price tag.

07 Seaside Hotel Hilo: Cheap and Cheerful Near the Big Island's Wonders

Seaside Hotel Hilo is an accommodation provider for budget travelers who want to explore the beautiful Big Island. Its strategic location makes it easier to access some of the most popular attractions, such as Hawaii's Volcanoes National Park, the charming Hilo Bay Liliuokalani Park, and Coconut Island. The low-cost rooms embrace a classic Hawaiian theme, making it possible for anyone visiting Hawaii to get an authentic experience at a low price. Local markets, stunning falls, and beautiful parks are easily accessible from Seaside Hotel Hilo.

08 Coconut Waikiki: Stylish Savings in Honolulu

Coconut Waikiki is relatively cheap to book, and it does not exclude stylish elements and accessories from its list of services. It is close to the Waikiki beach, so outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy its eye-catching white beaches and scenic turquoise ocean. Also, the Coconut Waikiki Hotel boasts a prime location that prioritizes convenience and accessibility. It is just a stone's throw from the International Marketplace, Hawaii's vibrant shopping center with over 100 stores.

This makes it a perfect spot for visitors looking forward to enjoying a world-class shopping experience. The Coconut Waikiki Hotel extends a warm welcome to all visitors, including students and backpackers. It exudes the bright, modern, stylish topicality of a contemporary surf-and-turf getaway.

09 Volcano House: Budget-Friendly Views of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Volcano House is an ideal, inexpensive accommodation spot for the daring and lover of nature, situated in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. The hotel has a great history and provides some of the best viewing terrains of the park's active Kilauea Volcanoes at a very affordable price. The rooms are cheap compared to nearby hotels. It's ideal for guests who wish to discover the park and hike on the steep terrain trails. Lodging near the volcano gives you an unforgettable experience as you wake up to breathtaking scenery straight from a volcanic landscape.

10 Paniolo Greens: Waikoloa Village's Best-Kept Secret

For families or travelers who desire to stay much longer, there is the Paniolo Greens in Waikoloa Village. Expect to save money on food bills since these condo-typed rooms are fitted with kitchens like those in condominiums. Nestled close to some of the biggest attractions of the Big Island, including beaches and golf courses, it is an excellent place for a vacation. If you want to have a feel for the Big Island's coastal features or simply take your family on vacation, Paniolo Greens offers all the home feel and comfort.

11 The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club: Vintage Charm with Budget Rates

Experience the past at present-day prices at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. It maintains an aesthetic reminiscent of 1960s tropical style and provides services and rooms that would be expected at a much higher price. It is an impressive, stylish boutique hotel in an excellent location at the center of Waikiki, with a beach, shops, and restaurants nearby. This budget-friendly hotel has an all-year-round pool and ambiance to allow guests to have the best time in Oahu. The hotel is perfect for travelers searching for an air-conditioned, throwback location for relaxation.

12 Hale Ho'o Maha Bed & Breakfast: Kauai's Cozy and Affordable Escape

Experience the past at present-day prices at The Surfjack Hotel & Swim Club. It maintains an aesthetic reminiscent of the 1960s tropical style and provides services and rooms that would be expected at a much higher price. It is an impressive, stylish boutique hotel in an excellent location at the center of Waikiki, with a beach, shops, and restaurants nearby. This budget-friendly hotel has an outdoor pool that allows guests to have the best time with both cabanas and a hot tub. The hotel is perfect for travelers searching for an air-conditioned, throwback location for relaxation.

13 Northshore Hostel Maui: Quiet and Economical in Wailuku

If you are a backpacker or low-budget traveler wanting a quiet atmosphere in downtown Wailukuof Maui, then Northshore Hostel Maui is for you. For those who want a more laid-back location, away from the stress of the tourist attractions, this is the best hostel for you and is cheaper. The hostel is located 2.9 miles from Iao Valley and offers a comfortable stay in a beautiful area of Maui at relatively low prices. The hostel offers a unique lodging experience that combines affordability with a sense of community. Guests can enjoy amenities such as a garden, a shared lounge, a shared kitchen, and free wifi.

14 The Inn at Schofield Barracks: Hotels for Military Personal on Oahu

The Inn at Schofield Barracks is lovely and pet-friendly and may be accessed by active duty military, retirees, DoD civilians, contractors, and guests. Standing in proximity to one of Oahu's most popular tourist attractions, North Shore, this inn also lies close to several historical War landmarks. The Inn's strategic location to stunning beaches, cultural sites, and exciting adventures makes it an ideal spot to relax. The property is ideal for tourists who do not need luxurious accommodation but would like to stay on the northern coast of Mahe.

15 Hosmer Grove Campground: Affordable Adventure in Haleakalā National Park

If you are an explorer searching for cheap and raw experience in the outdoors, Hosmer Grove Campground in Haleakalā National Park is the ideal place to be. It's a beautiful open campground located at a higher altitude, which is cheap in terms of camping fees, and the camper has an opportunity to access some of the park attractions, particularly the trails. During the day, one can hike over the parts of the five volcanoes: Mauna Loa, Mauna Kea, Kilauea, Kohala, and Haleakala. At night, one can enjoy excellent astral observation in Keaukaha. The camp is perfect for those people who are fond of nature and eager to get the wild spirit of the Hawaiian Islands while on a budget.

While Hawaii hosts some of the most luxurious resorts, the number of unknown low-cost and even cheap hotels located all over the Islands means that everyone can have a perfect cheap vacation. Suppose you are looking for a social hostel in the center of Waikiki, beach camping, or a bed and breakfast in a remote and wooded section of Hawaii. In that case, these are hidden treasures that are affordable and comfortable. Let that dream Hawaiian vacation you've been yearning for come to fruition with this guide.

Share

Scroll Down

for the Next Article

The Getaway Badge
Sign up to receive insider info and deals that will help you travel smarter.
Advertisement
Advertisement